ELLEN LOUVISA SMITH (NICHOLSON)

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ELLEN LOUVISA SMITH (nee NICHOLSON) May 12, 1924 - July 16, 2013 It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our dear mom on July 16, 2013 at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. Left to cherish her memory is her family: daughters Jocelyn McGuire, daughter Elizabeth (Dave) Jackimec, children Lily and Eric; Teresa (Jim) Hominuke, son James (Shari) Hominuke, children Samuel and Benjamin, son Joel (Tamara) Hominuke, daughter Holly (Micah) Parkerson; Debra McNab (Tony Baynton), son Daniel McNab; brothers Eric (Norma) Nicholson, Harold (Joanne) Nicholson, Bertil Nicholson and sister Marion Wurch and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Ralph Smith, parents Beda and Martin Nicholson, sisters Edith Beattie, Gladys Kolomy and Claire McComb. Mom was born in Winnipeg, the eldest of eight children, to Martin and Beda Nicholson. She grew up on the family farm near Brookfield, Manitoba where she attended a one room school, helped her mom with the younger kids, her dad with farm chores and rode horses bareback. At 16, she moved to Winnipeg for school and work. While living at a boarding house on Marjorie Street she met Ralph Smith, who was also living there. They married in 1944 and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan. They had three children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family moved around because of Ralph's work, living in Regina, Swift Current, Winnipeg, Victoria, Regina, Saskatoon and finally back to Winnipeg. Mom stayed home while we were young and then worked at various jobs, the last being at Westwood Drugs. After her children left home, she turned her attention to helping others, delivering Meals on Wheels and spearheading the pastoral help group at St. Chad's Anglican Church. Mom loved friend and family dinners and get-togethers, game nights, gardening, cookouts, golf, new potatoes with butter and apple pie with sharp cheddar cheese. She loved her family and looked after us with tender care. Mom had an ever open heart and opened our home to the two daughters of a family friend, Carol and Sandy, who quickly became part of the family, and others that she thought needed a place to stay or a good meal. She was a spiritual person who had a strong faith in God. Her church family was very important to her too. Mom's legacy is written in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her family passionately and it was always important to her to express it with words and in her eyes - even to the end. We cherish her memory. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg (2nd Floor) for all the loving care they provided to mom and as well as her family during her residence there. A memorial service will be held August 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Chad's Anglican Church, 3390 Portage Avenue. A lunch and celebration of her life is to follow. Interment will take place at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2013